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2 And immediately I was in the Spirit, and behold a 3 throne was set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne. And he that sat, was in appearance like a jasper and a sardine stone; and a rainbow was round about the 4 throne, in appearance like an emerald. And round about the throne are four and twenty thrones, and on the thrones four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white rai. 5 ment, and upon their heads crowns of gold. And out of

V. 2. And immediately I was in the Spirit-Even in a higher degree than before, ch. i. 10. And behold a throne was set in heaven-St. John is to write things which shall be. And in order thereto he is here shewn, after a heavenly manner, how whatever shall be, whether good or bad, flows out of invisible fouutains; and how after it is done on the visible theatre of the world and the church, it flows back again into the invisible world, as its proper and final scope. Here commentators divide; some proceed theologically, others historically: whereas the right way is to join both together.

The court of heaven is here laid open: and the throne of God is as it were the centre, from which every thing in the visible world goes forth, and to which every thing returns. Here also the kingdom of Satan is disclosed: and hence we may extract the most important things, out of the most comprehensive, and at the same time most secret history of the kingdom of hell and heaven. But herein we must be content to know only, what is expressly revealed in this book. This describes not barely what good or evil is successively transacted on earth, but how each springs from the kingdom of light or darkness, and continually tends to the source whence it sprung. So that no man can explain all that is contained therein, from the history of the church militant only.

And yet the histories of past ages have their use, as this book is properly prophetical. The more therefore we observe the accomplishment of it, so much the more may we praise God, in his truth, wisdom, justice, and almighty power, and learn to suit ourselves to the time, according to the remarkable directions contained in the prophecy. And one sat on the throne-As a king, governor, and judge. Here is described God, the Almighty, the Father of heaven, in his majesty, glory, and dominion.

V. 3. And he that sat was in appearance Shone with a visible lustre, like that of sparkling, precious stones, such as those which were of old on the high-priest's breast-plate, and those placed as the foundations of the New Jerusalem, ch. xxi. 19, 20. If there is any thing emblematical in the colours of these stones, possibly the jasper, which is transparent and of a glittering white, with an intermixture of beautiful colours, may be a symbol of God's purity, with various other perfections, which shine in all his dispensations. The Sardine stone, of a blood-red colour, may be an emblem of his justice, and the vengeance he was about to execute on his enemies. An emerald, being green, may betoken favour to the good; a rainbow, the everlasting covenant, see Gen. ix. 9. And this being round about the whole breadth of the throne, fixed the distance of those who stood or sat round it.

V. 4. And round about the throne—lu a circle, are four and twenty thrones, and on the thrones four and twenty elders-The most holy of all the former ages, Isa. xxiv. 23, Heb. xii. 1, representing the whole body of the saints: sitting-In general: but falling down when they worship: clothed in white raiment This and their goldens crowns shew, that they had already finished their course, and taken their place among the citizens of heaven. They are never termed souls, and hence it is probable, that they had glorified bodies already. Compare Matt. xxvii. 52.

V. 5. And out of the throne go forth lightnings-Which affect the sight; voices-Which affect the hearing; thunderings-Which cause the whole body to tremble. Weak men account all this terrible; but to the inhabitants of

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the throne go forth lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and seven lamps of fire burn before the throne, which are 6 the seven spirits of God. And before the throne is a sea as of glass, like crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, four living creatures, full of eyes before and behind. And the first living creature is like a lion, and the second living creature is like a calf, and the third living creature hath a face as a man, and the 8 fourth is like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures had each of them six wings; round about and within they are full of eyes; and they rest not day and night

heaven it is a source of joy and pleasure, mixed with reverence to the divine Majesty. Even to the saints on earth these convey light and protection, but to their enemies terror and destruction.

V. 6. And before the throne is a sea as of glass, like crystal-Wide and deep, pure and clear, transparent and still. Both the seven lamps of fire and this sea are before the throne; and both may mean the seven spirits of God, the Holy Ghost; whose powers and operations are frequently represented both under the emblem of fire and of water. We read again, ch. xv. 2, of a sea as of glass: where there is no mention of the seven lamps of fire; but on the contrary, the sea itself is mingled with fire. We read also, ch. xxii. 1, of a stream of water of life, clear as crystal. Now the sea which is before the throne, and the stream which goes out of the throne, may both mean the same, namely, the Spirit of God. And in the midst of the throne-With respect to its height: round about the throne That is, toward the four quarters, east, west, north, and south : were four living creatures (Not beasts, any more than birds.) These seem to be taken from the cherubim in the visions of Isaiah and Ezekiel, and in the holy of holies. They are doubtless some of the principal powers of heaven; but of what order it is not easy to determine. It is very probable that the twenty-four elders may represent the Jewish church. Their harps seem to intimate their having belonged to the ancient tabernacle service, where they were wont to be used. If so, the living creatures may represent the Christian church. Their number also is symbolical of universality, and agrees with the dispensation of the gospel, which extended to all nationsunder heaven. And the new song which they all sing, saying, Thou hast redeemed us out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, (ch. v. 9,) could not possibly suit the Jewish, without the Christian church. The first living creature was like a lion-To signify undaunted courage; the second, like a calf, or ox→ Ezek. i. 10, To signify unwearied patience; the third, with the face of a man -To signify prudence and compassion; the fourth, like an eagle-To signify activity and vigour: full of eyes-To betoken wisdom and knowledge: before -To see the face of him that sitteth on the throne; and behind-To see what is done among the creatures.

V. 7. And the first-Just such were the four cherubim in Ezekiel, who supported the moving throne of God; whereas each of those that overshadowed the mercy-seat in the holy of holies, had all these four faces; whence a late great man supposes them to have been emblematic of the Trinity, and the incarnation of the second Person. A flying eagle-That is, with wings expanded.

V. 8. Each of them hath six wings-As had each of the seraphim in Isaiah's vision. Two covered his face-In token of humilty and reverence: two his feet-Perhaps in token of readiness and diligence for executing divine commissions: round about and within they are full of eyes-Round about, to see every thing which is farther off from the throne than they are themselves: and within-On the inner part of the circle which they make with one another. A ▲ 4

saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, 9 who was, and who is, and who cometh. And when the living creatures give glory, and honour, and thanks, to him that sitteth upon the throne, that liveth for ever and 10 ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sitteth upon the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, 11 saying, Worthy art thou, O Lord our God, to receive the glory, and the honour, and the power; for thou hast created all things, and through thy will they were and are created.

First, they look from the centre to the circumference, then from the circumference to the centre. And they rest not-O happy unrest! Day and nightAs we speak on earth. But there is no night in heaven: and say, Holy, holy, holy-Is the Three-one God.

There are two words in the original, very different from each other, both which we translate holy. The one means properly merciful; but the other,

which occurs here, implies much more. This holiness is the sum of all praise, which is given to the Almighty Creator, for all that he does and reveals concerning himself, till the new song brings with it new matter of glory. This word properly signifies separated, both in Hebrew and other languages. And when God is termed holy, it denotes that excellence which is altogether peculiar to himself; and the glory flowing from all his attributes conjoined, shining forth from all his works, and darkening all things besides itself, whereby he is, and eternally remains, in an incomprehensible manner, separate and at a distance, not only from all that is impure, but likewise from all that is

created.

God is separate from all things. He is, and works from himself, out of himself, in himself, through himself, for himself. Therefore he is the First and the Last, the only One and the Eternal; living and happy, endless and unchangeable, almighty, omniscient, wise and true, just and faithful, gracious and merciful.

Hence it is, that holy and holiness mean the same as God and Godhead; and as we say of a king, His Majesty, so the Scripture says of God, His Holiness, Heb. xii. 10. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. When God is spoken of, he is often named, The Holy One. And as God swears by his name, so he does also by his holiness, that is, by himself.

This holiness is often styled glory; often his holiness and glory are celebrated together, Lev. x. 3, Isa. vi. 4. For holiness is covered glory, and glory is uncovered holiness. The Scripture speaks abundantly of the holiness and glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. And hereby is the mys tery of the Holy Trinity eminently confirmed.

That is also termed holy, which is consecrated to him, and for that end separated from other things. And so is that, wherein we may be like God, or united to him.

In the hymn resembling this, recorded by Isaiah, chap. vi. 3, is added, The whole earth is full of his glory. But this is deferred in the Revelation, till the glory of the Lord (his enemies being destroyed) fills the earth.

V. 10. And when the living creatures give glory-the elders fall down-That is, as often as the living creatures give glory, immediately the elders fall down. The expression implies, that they did so at the same instant, and that they both did this frequently. The living creatures do not say directly, Holy, holy, holy, art thou: but only bend a little, out of deep reverence, and say, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord. But the elders, when they are fallen down, may say, Worthy art thou, O Lord our God.

V. 11. Worthy art thou to receive-This he receives, not only when he is

CHAP. V. 1. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat upon the throne, a book written within and with2 out, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open 3 the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And none in

heaven, or in earth, neither under the earth, was able to 4 open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept thus praised, but also when he destroys his enemies, and glorifies himself anew : the glory, and the honour, and the power-Answering the thrice-holy of the living creatures, ver. 9. For thou hast created all things-Creation is the ground of all the works of God. Therefore for this, as well as for all his other works, will he be praised to all eternity. And through thy will they were They began to be. It is to the free, gracious, and powerfully-working will of him who cannot possibly need any thing, that all things owe their first existence. And are created-That is, continue in being ever since they were created.

CHAP. V. Ver. 1. And I saw-This is a continuation of the same narrative; in the right hand-The emblem of his all-ruling power. He held it openly, in order to give it to him that was worthy. It is scarce needful to observe, that there is not in heaven any real book of parchment or paper, or that Christ does really staud there, in the shape of a lion or of a lamb. Neither is there on earth any monstrous beast with seven heads and ten horns. But as there is upon earth something, which, in its kind, answers such a representation, so there are in heaven divine counsels and transactions, answerable to these figurative expressions. All this was represented to St. John at Patmos, in one day, by way of vision. But the accomplishment of it extends from that time throughout all ages. Writings serve to inform us of distant and of future things. And hence things which are yet to come, are figuratively said to be written in God's book: so were, at that time, the contents of this weighty prophecy. But the book was sealed. Now comes the opening and accomplishing also of the great things that are, as it were, the letters of it. A book written within and without-That is, no part of it blank, full of matter, sealed with seven seals-According to the seven principal parts contained in it, oue on the outside of each, The usual books of the ancients were not like ours, but were volumes or long pieces of parchment, rolled upon a long stick, as we frequently roll silks. Such was this represented, which was sealed with seven seals. Not as if the apostle saw all the seals at once; for there were seven volumes wrapped up one within another, each of which was sealed: so that upon opening and unrolling the first, the second appeared to be sealed up, till that was opened, and so on to the seventh. The book and its seals represent all power both in heaven and earth given to Christ. A copy of this book is contained in the following chapters. By the trumpets, (contained under the seventh seal,) the kingdom of the world is shaken, that it may at length become the kingdom of Christ. By the phials, (under the seventh trumpet,) the power of the beast, and whatsoever is connected with it, is broken. This sum of all, we should have continually before our eyes: so the whole Revelation flows in its natural order.

V. 2. And I saw a strong angel-This proclamation to every creature, was too great for a man to make, and yet not becoming the Lamb himself. It was, therefore, made by an angel, and one of uncommon eminence.

V. 3. And none-No creature; no, not Mary herself: in heaven, or in earth, neither under the earth-That is, none in the universe. For these are the three great regions, into which the whole creation is divided: was able to open the book-To declare the counsels of God, nor to look thereon-So as to understand any part of it.

V. 4. And I wept much-A weeping which sprung from greatness of mind,

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much, that none was found worthy to open the book, 5 neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith to me, Weep not; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and 6 the seals thereof. And I beheld, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing as if he had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven 7 Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth. And he

came and took the book out of the right hand of him 8 that sat upon the throne. And when he took the book,

The tenderness of heart which he always had, appeared more clearly now he was out of his own power. The Revelation was not written without tears; neither without tears will it be understood. How far are they from the temper of St. John, who inquire after any thing rather than the contents of this book? Yea, who applaud their own clemency, if they excuse those that do inquire into them?

V. 5. And one of the elders-Probably one of those who rose with Christ, and afterwards ascended into heaven: perhaps one of the patriarchs: some think it was Jacob, from whose prophecy the name of Lion is given him, Gen. xlix. 9. The Lion of the tribe of Judah-The victorious Prince, who is, like a lion, able to tear all his enemies in pieces, the root of David-As God, the root and source of David's family, Isai. xi, 1, 10, hath prevailed to open the book-Hath overcome all obstructions, and obtained the honour to disclose the divine counsels.

V. 6. And I saw-First Christ, in, or on, the midst of the throne; secondly, the four living creatures, making the inner circle round him; and, thirdly, the four and twenty elders, making a larger circle round him and them: standing He lieth no more; he no more falls on his face; the days of his weakness and mourning are ended. He is now in a posture of readiness to execute all his offices of prophet, priest, and king: as if he had been slain— Doubtless with the prints of the wounds he once received. And because he was slain, he is worthy to open the book, ver. 9, to the joy of his own people, and the terror of his enemies. Having seven horns-As a king, the emblem of perfect strength; and seven eyes-The emblem of perfect knowledge and wisdom. By these he accomplishes what is contained in the book, namely, by his almighty and all-wise Spirit. To these seven horns and seven eyes, answer the seven seals, and the sevenfold song of praise, ver. 12. In Zechariah likewise, chap. iii. 9, iv. 10, mention is made of the seven eyes of the Lord, which go forth over all the earth: which-Both the horns and the eyes, are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth-For the effectual working of the Spirit of God, goes through the whole creation; and that in the natural, as well as spiritual world. For could mere matter act or move? Could it gravitate or attract? Just as much as it can think or speak.

V. 7. And he came Here was, Ask of me, Ps. ii. 8, fulfilled in the most glorious manner, and took-It is one state of exaltation, that reaches from our Lord's ascension to his coming in glory. Yet this state admits of various degrees. At his ascension, angels, and principalities, and powers were subjected to him. Ten days after, he received from the Father, and sent the Holy Ghost. And now he took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne-Who gave it to him, as a signal of his delivering to him all power in heaven and earth, He received it, in token of his being both able and willing to fulfil all that was written therein.

V. S. And when he took the book, the four living creatures fell down-Now is homage done to the Lamb by every creature. These, together with the elders,

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